A vacuum cleaner is an electrical appliance for cleaning surfaces by suction. It doesn't really produce a vacuum (absence of air), but a pressure differential (reduced air pressure in an enclosed chamber) that causes the suction. The air pressure outside of the chamber is greater than that inside. That difference in pressure causes the outside air to try to get into the machine, pulling any debris it picks up along the way. Once inside, the debris is trapped in a bag or container while the air passes through the container and back outside. Both upright and canister vacuums work about the same way. An electric motor drives a fan that draws the air—and dirt—into the chamber.
The primary difference between an upright and canister vacuum is what you have to push around. Uprights have everything (motor, controls, bag) in a single unit that is pushed and pulled over the surface to be cleaned. A canister vacuum cleaner places the most of its weight (vacuum motor, filters, bag, and cord winder) in a separate unit to make the power head lighter. With a long hose, the canister can be placed in the middle of the room and the power head moved around more easily. The advantage to this design is that larger and more powerful motors can be used. Both upright and canister vacuums typically have a spinning brush in the head that grabs debris and flings it toward the vacuum hose.
Disassemble an upright vacuum cleaner:
- Unplug the vacuum. Remove the lower handle screw and the handle. Unscrew the accessory hose, if included, and remove it.
- Turn the vacuum over and remove the top cover screws. Turn the unit right side up, move the height adjustment out of the way, and lift off the cover.
- To remove the motor, first remove the brush roller (beater bar) and the drive belt (see below). Remove the screw securing the motor clamp. Be careful not to damage the gasket at the other end of the motor during reinstallation.
Disassemble a canister vacuum:
- Unplug the vacuum. Remove hoses, dust bag, and filter. Remove cover screws and lift off the cover to access the motor and electrical components.
- To service the motor brushes or canister motor, remove any screws that secure the motor cover plate and lift out the motor. Make sure you find and replace sealing gaskets.
- To service the brush roller (beater bar), turn the power nozzle over and clean out dust and debris. Remove screws securing the top cover. Turn the unit right side up and lift off the top cover.
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Replacing a filter on most vacuum cleaners is relatively easy. Open the access door or remove the cover and remove the filter. Also check for and replace secondary filters.
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Service a beater bar (upright or canister):
- Turn the vacuum or vacuum head upside down to inspect the beater bar. It will be at the front edge of the housing.
- Remove the clips at each end, remove the drive belt, and lift the beater bar from the housing.
- Disassemble the beater bar, if necessary, by removing the end cap and flange, then pulling the brush from the casing.
- If the brush is worn, replace it. As needed, replace a broken cap, flange, or case, or replace the entire beater bar.
Replace a drive belt:
- Remove one end of the beater bar from the vacuum housing (see above).
- Loosen the drive belt from the motor pulley and remove it from around the beater bar.
- Slip the replacement drive belt over the beater bar and around the motor pulley. Note: The new belt will be smaller in circumference (but not wider or narrower) than the old one that has been stretched by use.
- Reinstall the beater bar and adjust the drive belt as necessary.
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